The American road trip is a classic vacation choice. There is a specific kind of romance associated with cruising down the highway, music playing, with miles of open road ahead of you. But that romantic image often comes to a screeching halt the moment you hit the city limits of a major metropolis.
Navigating through gridlock, rush-hour traffic, and aggressive driving can turn a relaxing getaway into a high-stress ordeal. However, visiting these cities doesn’t have to ruin your mood. With the right preparation and a few insider strategies, you can plan a stress-free drive through iconic US cities.
Find the Best Time to Arrive and Depart
To avoid the worst gridlock, plan your arrival or departure between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or after 8:00 PM.
Avoiding rush hour seems obvious, but definitions of “rush hour” vary by city. Check the local stations to find out what the usual rush hour is. If your itinerary allows, time your drive to hit the city center during that midday lull. If you are passing through a city on your way to another destination, try to time your drive for the late evening when commuter traffic has dispersed.
Plan for Tolls and Payments
Equip your vehicle with a transponder or check “Pay by Plate” options, as cash toll booths are almost extinct in major US cities.
If you are driving on the East Coast (from Maine down to Florida and west to Illinois), an E-ZPass is essential. It allows you to breeze through toll plazas without stopping. If you are renting a car, ask the rental agency about their toll program. Be careful, though—some agencies charge a high daily fee for using their transponder.
Driving Quirks in US Cities
Every city has its own unwritten rules and physical challenges. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect in some top destinations:
Chicago
Driving in Chicago comes with its own set of challenges that reflect the city’s bustling energy. Traffic congestion is a regular occurrence, especially during rush hours on major arteries such as the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) and the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290).
The city’s grid system is relatively easy to follow, but one-way streets can quickly trip up unfamiliar drivers. You can follow various tips to drive safely and avoid accidents in Chicago, but the best advice is to be careful and stay alert, especially on highways.
San Francisco
San Francisco is famous for its steep hills. When parking on a hill, you are legally required to “curb your wheels” (turn your tires toward the curb when facing downhill, and away from the curb when facing uphill) to prevent the car from rolling.
Boston
Boston’s roads were originally cow paths, meaning there is very little grid structure. Streets curve, end abruptly, or change names without warning. The local driving style is also known for being assertive. Use your turn signals, but be prepared to make decisive moves.
Enjoy the Destination
Driving through a major city is often the most challenging part of planning a road trip, but it is just a means to an end. Once the engine is off and you are walking down a historic street or staring up at a skyscraper, the traffic will be a distant memory.